From quilting (1991), "blessing the boats" Summary

The subtitle of this poem references the college that Clifton has taught at, St. Mary's. It seems to be a poem blessing the graduates who are leaving the college. This poem symbolizes understanding as a tide that can carry the new graduates into their new lives, without fear. The graduates are enjoined to "kiss the wind," and then turn from it so it will blow them forward on their backs. The poem symbolizes water as something that will carry the graduating students forward in all the things that will come to them in their lives.

From quilting (1991), "blessing the boats" Analysis

This poem echoes the famous, beautiful poem "May the Road Reach out to Meet You." It is a poem of blessing for students who are graduating and entering their lives...